A blog about literature for children and teens

Newbery Award – A Surprise Choice

I spent some time yesterday reading the reactions of other bloggers about the Newbery Award choice. Apparently, I wasn’t alone in the complete surprise choice even though the book had received starred reviews from Booklist, Kirkus, and Publishers Weekly. The book just wasn’t on the radar for many people. I was so sure that One Crazy Summer by Rita Garcia-Williams would be the winner. But the book did receive the Newbery Honor and the Coretta Scott King Author Book Award.
Now I’m anxious to read the winner – Moon over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool. Many congratulations to the author for her debut novel.

The following committees are meeting today at ALA to determine the Notable Children’s Books, Best Fiction for Young Adults, Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, and Great Graphic Novels for Teens. These committees should release their lists last this afternoon or tomorrow.